I am going to admit it upfront. I was worried that this event was not going to happen for me. This was supposed to be an incredibly awesome week for me. Not only did I have a "date night" with my husband to see a band that I've wanted to see for years, but it was also the week of the rally. Unfortunately, I got a horrible stomach bug on Monday that lasted through most of Thursday. I was worried. I missed my "date night" and was depressed. Would I be able to at least go to the rally? The day of the rally arrived... |
The dress that I've been waiting for since my birthday had not yet arrived! I couldn't find matching socks! Yes, I am a little fashion conscious...this was my day! I wanted to look...well, at least presentable.
What was I to do?
Well, I decided that if it's a rally to restore sanity (and/or fear), then one must wear the birdie skirt...and the red pullover fleece (because it accentuates the red in the birdie skirt so nicely). I found some nylon footsies and pronounced myself "presentable". We were on our way! |
Holy cow! We pulled into the Vienna Metro parking garage and saw it filled with cars! As we were about to take the stairs down, Dean pointed out the line on the other side of the highway. People were lined up as far as the eye could see! "Holy shit!" I exclaimed. I knew that there would be people there, but WOW! I was impressed. We ran down the steps to see a long line out our side of the metro as well. Luckily, we all had our passes already...we just walked right on through. :) |
By the way, my son had such a great time finding signs to hold at our last rally, I suggested that he make his own this time. He did. On one side, he had his dad write out for him, "I LIKE PIZZA!"...something that he likes to let everyone know. On the other, he had dad write, "I LOVE JON AND STEPHEN"...something that he thought up on his own. He spent a good part of the day coloring it in...starting with waiting at the metro for the next train. |
The train got crowded fast. We walked down to the end to get a better seat (everyone else hangs out by the escalator...bad move for events). We met some fascinating people going to the rally. I was most impressed with the elderly couple in front of me. They had come up from Florida and Dean started to chat with them. He offered the wife his seat and she was most grateful. The husband pulled out a folding chair and sat in it (I knew that was going to end badly, but hey...). They were so nice. The wife had been a teacher, like myself, and we spoke off and on. She loved Keegan's Davy Crocket hat and told me that she grew up in rural Alabama and remembered a fella that was running for office. He wore a similar hat. She was also a distant relative of Davy Crocket and laughed when I said how cool that was. "Oh, he was only a 4th cousin or so"...That's ok, not everyone could say they were related. "My family has been in America for 300 years. We're still alive!" was her claim to fame. I thought it was awesome. :) |
I will admit, it took awhile to get to our destination. (We did get off a stop past Smithsonian...that one was just crazy with people.) However, it was a very nice ride. Yes, it was very, very crowded...but we had lovely conversation with those around us. Everyone was in high spirits. Keegan worked hard on his sign. There was chanting to the rear of us. A small group of guys began singing a variety of tunes...Beatles, Queen....
It was nice.
:) |
And then we were there. |
Everyone was happy. No one was pissy.
It was nice.
There were awesome signs! |
There was the show. I honestly don't know the last time that I smiled so much. It hurt. |
I have the worst luck with crowds. I always have a guy like this directly in front of me. No matter if I've positioned myself away from them or not. They find me. And stand directly in front of me. |
Oh, hells yeah! It's Cat Stevens! I almost cried. |
And Ozzy. |
Oh wait, did I mention? My husband is an architect. His firm is doing some work on the Capital. He might be walking on this little doo-dad of scaffolding. Did he need to point this out to me? Probably not. |
Oh. And there were costumes. |
Oh, and there were signs. |
I think that I might have forgotten to mention...
My son and his sign? Total win! The boy had more photos taken of him than we took of the event! He was in heaven! Totally loving the attention! He especially loved the "I love pancakes/I love waffles" people! They let him join with them for a few photos! :) |
Keep your sanity. |
Don't let fear take over. |
Live your life to the fullest. |
Peace and love to all of you. Love life.
With deepest sincerity,
Me. |
